Story perspectives

Prosecutor Frees Journalist Ali Lmrabet; Defamation Probe Continues

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prosecutor ordered release of journalist Ali Lmrabet on 15 July 2026 after a hearing, while defamation investigation remains open.
He was arrested at Tangier Airport on 12 July 2026, transferred to Casablanca, and charged with publishing defamatory libelous posts insulting state institutions.
Reporters Without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists demanded his release and the dropping of charges, citing 66-year-old journalist who lives in Barcelona and holds French nationality.

History

Historical Context

The 1971 Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in New York Times Co. v. United States rejected prior-restraint on the Pentagon Papers, cementing First Amendment protection after Near v. Minnesota (1931). Decades later, Morocco’s July 2026 detention of journalist Ali Lmrabet provoked protests from Reporters Without Borders, the International Federation of Journalists and EU criticism, echoing that precedent.

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Story summary

Prosecutor ordered release of journalist Ali Lmrabet on 15 July 2026 after a hearing, while defamation investigation remains open.
He was arrested at Tangier Airport on 12 July 2026, transferred to Casablanca, and charged with publishing defamatory libelous posts insulting state institutions.
Reporters Without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists demanded his release and the dropping of charges, citing 66-year-old journalist who lives in Barcelona and holds French nationality.

1 / 2